ne of
discontent around her mouth, and she spoke pettishly on slight
provocation, or none at all. Now she was openly, brazenly, brutally,
frank in her rejoicing. She thought it was the best "JOKE" that ever
happened to the boys; and she said so repeatedly. Kate found her lips
closing more tightly and a slight feeling of revulsion growing in her
heart. Surely in Nancy Ellen's lovely home, cared for and shielded in
every way, she had no such need of money as Kate had herself. She was
delighted when Nancy Ellen said she was sleepy, and was going to the
living-room lounge for a nap. Then Kate produced her sheet of figures.
She and Robert talked the situation over and carefully figured on how
an adjustment, fair to all, could be made, until they were called to
supper.

After supper Nancy Ellen and Robert went home, while Kate and her
mother sat on the back porch and talked until Kate had a clear
understanding and a definite plan in her mind, which was that much
improvement over wearing herself out in bitter revilings, or selfish
rejoicing over her brothers' misfortune. Her mother listened to all
she had to say, asked a question occasionally, objected to some things,
and suggested others. They arose when they had covered every
contingency they could think of and went upstairs to bed, even though
the downstairs was cooler.

As she undressed, Mrs. Bates said slowly: "Now in the morning, I'll
speak my piece first; and I'll say it pretty plain. I got the
whip-hand here for once in my life. They can't rave and fight here,
and insult me again, as they did Friday night and Saturday till you got
here an' shut 'em up. I won't stand it, that's flat! I'll tell 'em so,
and that you speak for me, because you can figure faster and express
yourself plainer; but insist that there be no fussing, an' I'll back
you. I don't know just what life has been doing to you, Katie, but
Lord! it has made a fine woman of you."

Kate set her lips in an even line and said nothing, but her heart was
the gladdest it had been in years.

Her mother continued: "Seems like Nancy Ellen had all the chance. Most
folks thought she was a lot the purtiest to start with, though I can't
say that I ever saw so much difference. She's had leisure an' pettin',
and her husband has made a mint o' money; she's gone all over the
country with him, and the more chance she has, the narrower she grows,
and the more discontenteder. One thing, she is awful disappo